Weddings culturally unite two souls spiritually, mentally, and physically. In the Rajput
community, marriage is not only a celebration of two people coming together but rather the
merging of two families.
Rajput weddings are thus considered the most vibrant, intricately-planned, culture-rich
festivities full of celebration and tradition.
The main rituals in a Rajput wedding are -
1. Tilak ceremony
This ceremony makes the engagement or alliance official, the male members of the girl's
family visit the boy's house. The girl's brother then applies the ‘Tilak’ on the boy’s forehead.
The boy is also presented with gifts such as a sword, clothes, sweets, fruits etc.
2. Ganapati Sthapana and Griha Shanti ceremony
This ritual is held a few days before the marriage. It’s is an auspicious ceremony, done to
appease the gods. In this ceremony a havan is performed and a Ganesha idol is installed.
3. Pithi Dastoor
This ceremony involves application of turmeric and sandalwood paste on the bride and
groom. It initiates the start of the celebrations in the both the houses and is held in a big
way. The women of the house sing wedding songs with dholaks
4. Mahira Dastoor
This ritual signifies the role of the maternal uncles. It is celebrated in both houses. The
uncles donate clothes, jewellery and sweet delicacies to the entire family.
5. Janev ceremony
The Janev ceremony, is one of the most important rituals for a boy in Hinduism. It
celebrates the growing up and development of a boy to a man.
In modern times this is done at the time of marriage, the groom is made to wear a saffron
robe and perform a yagna with the priest. Then the groom has to act as if he wants to
become an ascetic and run away but is stopped by his maternal uncle, who convinces him to
get married.
6. Palla Dastoor
The groom’s family visits the bride's house with the trousseau like clothes and jewelry a day
or two before the marriage.
7. Rajput Baraat
The Rajput baraat is an all men's affair consisting of the men from the groom's family. The
groom is usually dressed in gold achkan and a kesaria turban and usually rides an elephant
or a horse and carries a sword.
